1987 Honda Prelude
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1987 Honda Prelude is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8 on record.
1987 Honda Prelude at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1987 Honda Prelude recalls 2
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Fix: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES. CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. CHECK THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUG ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECU…
IF THE PLASTIC COATING OF THE FUEL FILLER AND/OR BREATHER PIPE IS DAMAGED, SALT WATER MAY ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE PLASTIC COATING AND THE STEEL PIPES, AND THE ACCUMULATION COULD CAUSE CORROSION WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY RUST THROUGH THE AFFECTED PIPES, ALLOWING GASOLINE FUMES AND FUEL TO LEAK.
Fix: REPAIRS WILL BE MADE TO VEHICLES WITH CORRODED FILLER OR BREATHER PIPES.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1987 Honda Prelude common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1987 Honda Prelude MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1987 Honda Prelude costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1987 Honda Prelude — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
FUEL SYSTEM VENTING Closed
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NHTSA #EA89005 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Nov 1988 · closed Nov 1989An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 1
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.
CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY REPORT FOR THE 1983-87 PRELUDE FUEL FILLER PIPE RECALL. *TW
Bulletin HON950405C · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 1995Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PRELUDE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1987 Honda Prelude. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the platic front seatbelt release buttons may break allowing plastic pieces to fall into the buckle assembly. If this should happen, a no latch, false latch or failure to unlatch condition could occur creating the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash or sudden stop. Correction: Front seatbelt buckles will be repaired or replaced as necessary.
Transport Canada #1995086 · May 1995Fuel System
On certain vehicles, road salt may cause the fuel filler and/or breather pipe to rust through, resulting in fuel leakage. In the presence of an igntion source a vehicle fire could occur. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and repaired if necessary.
Transport Canada #1992025 · Mar 1992Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Honda Prelude
The Honda Prelude is a sport compact car produced by the Japanese company Honda. It was produced over five generations from 1978 to 2001, and reintroduced in 2025.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.